What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. X)

 Ludwig van Beethoven:  Jean-Guihen Queyras (cello), Alexander Melnikov

The Complete Works for Piano and Violoncello

I was so looking forward to this new release.  I like both of these performers and have nothing against what they are doing here.  I have only listened to this once so maybe my system wasn't performing up to snuff (which is not unusual) but what has disappointed me is the recording quality in general here.  Such a let down for me and a pity as this is not the fault of the performers.  Whoever is responsible surely has avoided putting there name behind this as I could not find any details in the booklet.

Later today I will dig out my Melnikov / Faust Beethoven Violin sonatas as I recall that being outstanding all around (playing and recording quality).

Why do I rant on about sound quality all the time?

For my personal preferences, the acoustic music I listen to requires many attributes that need to all work together before it becomes satisfying.  All things being equal, acoustic music relies heavily on the quality of sound - nay, better still to acknowledge that - there is no music without quality of sound.  It must come close to being realistic as in real life otherwise it becomes less and less convincing.  A performer could have all his ducks in a row perfectly with every aspect but no one would tolerate sitting through a performance if his or her instrument is of a much lower quality.  No performer rises to the top unless they have an outstanding instrument.

I have heard enough bad sounding pianos, stringed instruments, voices etc. in my lifetime but can contrast that with my understanding of fine sounding instruments.  In the case of recordings you most often have fine sounding instruments recorded poorly.  I am not technical enough to know the reasons but this recording to me sounds "filtered".  I know what a piano & cello should sound like and they should not sound filtered and lacking inflection or life.  Someone wanted the piano to be muted so it wouldn't overpower the cello?

Sinead O'Connor

"I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got"    (1990)

G

op. 111

Doug,

The Temper Trap

"The Acoustic Sessions" (ep)   (2013)

CD rip AIFF, 1st solo album by this guy, better late than never ?



David Crosby - If I Could Only Remember My Name.

EDIT.

Followed on by, on CDP for some reason iMac won't see this disk:-

The Guess Who - American Woman

I recently read the new biography of Norman Granz who started recording the jazz groups he put together, fascinating history of early jazz, he started Clef Records then Verve and later Pablo.

The complete Jam sessions are recordings in clubs that are truly amazing sessions, EVERYONE gets their solo. 5 CDs  and 4 jams per CD recorded in early 40s of wild and wonderful early American music. 

It is edge of your seat, compulsory toe tapping,  even wild shag dancing round your room, good.

U2

"No Line On The Horizon"    (2009)

Some very nice German electronic tunes.

This disc probably won't feature on anyone's top 10 but it's worth it for the great performance of Weber's Grand Duo - the middle movement of which might even change your opinion of Weber as a one-trick wonder (i.e. Freischütz). Beethoven's clarinet trio is standard fare for clarinetists, but even among early Beethoven, it isn't the most interesting work. On the other hand, Brahms' trio is a masterpiece where the three performers find a gorgeous, autumnal sound - wholly in keeping with the same team's performance of the clarinet quintet from a few years ago. The mature performance compares and contrasts nicely with the recent recording by Raphael Sévère & friends.

EJ

Sinead O'Connor
"I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got"    (1990)

Thanks Jeff, long time since I played Sinead..



Sinead O'Connor - The Lion and the Cobra (1987)
Streaming: CD rip to FLAC

Tracey Thorn

"Love And Its Opposite"    (2010)

Hi Rob

Unexpected prompts are one of the best things about this thread.

I have listened to SO'C new release twice, first time I liked it and second time not quite so much.  Think I will put it on tomorrows playlist to break the tie.

regards

Jeff A

Jeff,

Have you got her husbands brilliant 2014 solo album?

On vinyl.

Matt,

Is yours the new 180g double 3 sided vinyl?

Michael Stanley

"Shadowland"     (2010)

Have it on Spotify Premium (US) and am enjoying it greatly.

Jeff A

LZI on a Japanese replica CD. Lovely!  The subtelty of JP-J's bass playing comes through particularly well. 

Jeff,

It gets lots of play here since it was released.

Sadly Ben when asked a couple of months ago if he and Tracey will be putting anything out again as Everything But The Girl?

He said no.

(2011)

2CD.  Various Artists, 

I was not familiar with Guy Clark or his music.  He is a country and folk artist.  It came up one time on Amazon's 'you might be interested in' lists.  I do know quite a few of the performers on the album, so purchased it. 

I don't have a baseline for the performances, but I like the songs.  Artists include Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Shawne Colvin, Emmylou Harris, & Patty Griffin, 

This superb 2013 released LP.

If you like artists like Dylan and JJ Cale? 

You will love this.

On vinyl.

CD Rip from my NAS: Johnny Winter - "Let me in"

Good old fashioned Blues Rock!

Followed by Doobie Brothers - "Minute by Minute"

Don't think there's a bad Doobie Brothers album. I certainly don't own one.